Newcastle United travel to Turf Moor this evening on the back of two straight victories in the Premier League, and they will be hoping to make that a morale boosting hat-trick against a side who are shot for confidence.
In Rafa we trust. That is the mantra which has been peddled by plenty of Newcastle supporters since they returned to the Premier League, and who can blame them?
Working within the constraints of an incredibly tight transfer budget, Benitez has managed to maximise his resources to brilliant effect, and the current campaign will provide yet another telling test of his ability to mastermind an unlikely survival bid.
Fixtures against the likes of Burnley are those on which Newcastle can make or break their season, especially at a time when their opponents are feeling wounded by their alarming fall from grace.
The form of Salomon Rondon against Bournemouth, which was epitomised by his powerfully taken headed goal, has provided Newcastle supporters with a new hero to potentially save their season.
Kenedy provided a mid-season spark to transform the Magpies last season, but Rondon’s diligent approach, which is seemingly factory made for Benitez’s meticulously devised tactical system, could be the decisive factor which guarantees survival this season.
Ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Burnley, Sky Sports pundit Nick Wright delivered his verdict on the Monday night fixture, and he identified Rondon as a player who will be pivotal to their success in the coming months.
‘Rondon is providing the cutting edge Newcastle lacked in the early months of the season. He is offering a focal point and he has been praised for his work-rate, too.’
Wright’s words are certainly profound at this stage in the season, and it would be no surprise if Rondon further vindicates those claims this evening.
Rondon’s bullish physique and commanding aerial presence are exactly what is required to unsettle a Burnley defence who would only shy away from a physical battle in a parallel universe.
If the Venezuela international can emulate the quality of the display which he put in against the Cherries last time out there is no doubt that he could, once again, prove to be the match-winner, providing his teammates can produce a telling delivery when it matters most.
Newcastle fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
